Evaluation of Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) Introductions and Re-introductions Into Four Virginia Blue Ridge Mountain Streams

Transcription

1 Virginia Commonwealth University VCU Scholars Compass Theses and Dissertations Graduate School 2011 Evaluation of Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) Introductions and Re-introductions Into Four Virginia Blue Ridge Mountain Streams Michael Isel III Virginia Commonwealth University Follow this and additional works at: Part of the Biology Commons The Author Downloaded from This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at VCU Scholars Compass. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of VCU Scholars Compass. For more information, please contact

2 Evaluation of Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) Introductions and Re-introductions Into Four Virginia Blue Ridge Mountain Streams A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science at Virginia Commonwealth University. by Michael W. Isel III B.S. Fisheries Science, Virginia Tech, May 2001 Director: Greg C. Garman, Director of Center for Environmental Studies, Dept. of Biology Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Virginia December 2011

3 Acknowledgement Firstly, I would like to thank the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries for their continued support of my education and this project. I would also like to thank several VDGIF employees who provided valuable insight and assistance throughout this study. They are Steve Owens, John Odenkirk, John Kauffman, John Harris, Brad Fink, Robbie Willis, Catherine Lim, Dean Fowler, Matt Blommel, Joe Ferdinandsen, Justin Ray and Jeremy Shifflet. Also, without the support and patience of my family, this would not be possible. Thank you to my loving wife, Heather; my parents, Michael and Beth; and my wonderful children, Kaitlyn and Michael. I would also like to thank my committee members (Greg Garman, Steve McIninch, Michael Fine, Roy Sabo and Steve Owens) and Virginia Commonwealth University for the support of this study. ii

4 Table of Contents Page Acknowledgement..ii List of Tables..iv List of Figures.v Abstract.vii Introduction 1 Methods..5 Results...10 Discussion..17 Literature Cited..22 Appendix 26 Vita.61 iii

5 List of Tables Table Page 1. GPS coordinates for lower end of each study site, recorded in May Water quality data taken during each sample from B site of each stream Total catches of brook trout for all three reaches of each stream across each survey from June 2009 through June Catches of adult brook trout (> 100 mm) for all three reaches of each stream across each survey from June 2009 through June Catches of young of year brook trout (< 100 mm) for all three reaches of each stream across each survey from June 2009 through June Catches of adult, young of year and total brook trout for all streams across all surveys Modified classification (Cummins 1961) for stream substrate used during BVET habitat assessment. Pebble class was called Large Gravel (LG) and Gravel class was called Small gravel (SG) Species in addition to Brook trout found with community sample in June 2009 by stream. GR = Garth Run, KR = Kinsey Run, WH = Wildcat Hollow, SR = Sweet Run Catch rates of trout per 100 meters of stream surveyed at Sweet Run (351 m) Catch rates of trout per 100 meters of stream surveyed at Wildcat Hollow (310 m) Catch rates of trout per 100 meters of stream surveyed at Garth Run (301 m) Catch rates of trout per 100 meters of stream surveyed at Kinsey Run (282 m) Streams with best CPUE (per 100 m) for each size class across all surveys and overall average. WH = Wildcat Hollow, GR = Garth Run and KR = Kinsey Run Results of BVET habitat survey conducted for each stream between November 6 th and December 5 th iv

6 List of Figures Figure Page 1. Aerial view of debris flow chutes and flood deposits from the June 27, 1995 flood at Kinsey Run, near Graves Mill in Madison County, Virginia. Photo from The debris flows of Madison County, Virginia: 34th Annual Virginia Geological Field Conference Guidebook Locations of study streams within Virginia, note the proximity of Garth Run and Kinsey Run to each other Study reach locations (shaded in red) for Garth Run, Madison County, Virginia Study reach locations (shaded in red) for Kinsey Run, Madison County, Virginia Study reach locations (shaded in red) for Wildcat Hollow, Fauquier County, Virginia Study reach locations (shaded in red) for Sweet Run, Loudon County, Virginia Flow data used for Garth Run and Kinsey Run (June 2009 Sept 2010), note high spring flows and low summer flows Flow data used for Wildcat Hollow (June 2009 Sept 2010), note high spring flows and low summer flows Flow data used for Sweet Run (June 2009 Sept 2010), note high spring flows and low summer flows Regression for total catch of brook trout for each survey across all three study reaches at Sweet Run (P = 0.02) Regression for total catch of brook trout for each survey across all three study reaches at Wildcat Hollow (P = 0.21) Regression for total catch of brook trout for each survey across all three study reaches at Garth Run (P = 0.42) Regression for total catch of brook trout for each survey across all three study reaches at Kinsey Run (P = 0.94)...52 v

7 14. Regression for adult catch of brook trout for each survey across all three study reaches at Sweet Run (P = 0.76) Regression for adult catch of brook trout for each survey across all three study reaches at Wildcat Hollow (P = 0.26) Regression for adult catch of brook trout for each survey across all three study reaches at Garth Run (P = 0.77) Regression for adult catch of brook trout for each survey across all three study reaches at Kinsey Run (P = 0.60) Regression for young of year catch of brook trout for each survey across all three study reaches at Sweet Run (P = 0.03) Regression for young of year catch of brook trout for each survey across all three study reaches at Wildcat Hollow (P = 0.20) Regression for young of year catch of brook trout for each survey across all three study reaches at Garth Run (P = 0.16) Regression for young of year catch of brook trout for each survey across all three study reaches at Kinsey Run (P = 0.90)..60 vi

8 Abstract EVALUATION OF BROOK TROUT (SALVELINUS FONTINALIS) INTRODUCTIONS AND RE-INTRODUCTIONS INTO FOUR VIRGINIA BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAIN STREAMS Michael W. Isel III, M.S. A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science at Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Commonwealth University, Major Director: Greg Garman, Director of Center for Environmental Studies, Dept. of Biology Approximately 100 brook trout were transplanted into each of four Virginia streams in September Garth Run and Kinsey Run were re-introductions, and Wildcat Hollow and Sweet Run were new introductions. Single pass electrofishing (EF) surveys were conducted with a backpack electrofisher five times during the study. Selected trout > 70 mm but < 100 mm and all trout > 100 mm received a Biomark khz passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag to identify individual fish upon recapture. Trout were present in all streams almost three years post introductions. Catches decreased across the first four surveys. Young of year catch rates severely decreased from June 2009 (n = 77) to June 2010 (n = 7). Adult refuge under low flow conditions and environmental factors such as elevated stream temperatures and drought were determined to be potential limiting factors of brook trout success. Future monitoring is needed to further assess the populations. vii

9 Introduction Brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) are a coldwater species known to inhabit both lotic and lentic systems. They are the only salmonid species native to Virginia and much of the eastern United States. Their habitat preference is for headwater streams with moderate to high elevation, low siltation, and good water quality. Matthews and Berg (1997) found salmonid mortality increased when water temperatures reached the 23 C to 25 C range. However, brook trout are more likely to survive slightly warmer temperatures than preferred if other water quality parameters (such as ph, dissolved oxygen and alkalinity) are suitable. Raleigh (1982) found preferred ranges as follows: ph , dissolved oxygen 5 mg/l minimum with 9 mg/l at temperatures 15 C and alkalinity > 10 mg/l. Brook trout feeding and growth are usually maximized during times when stream temperatures are 10 C 16 C and slow or cease when upper thermal limits are approached (MacCrimmon and Campbell 1969; Raleigh 1982). Spawning in fall (October and November) is onset by decreasing photoperiod and water temperature. Females construct a nest or redd with gravel substrate and find a mate. Once fertilized, eggs are covered by gravel and remain in the redd to incubate until they hatch, and fry emerge in spring. Brook trout can reach sexual maturity by age two and generally will not live longer than four years in Virginia streams (Jenkins and Burkehead 1993). Historical and current land use practices along with environmental changes have extirpated or severely reduced brook trout populations throughout the central Appalachians. Causes of these extirpations and reductions may include, but are not limited to, changes in water quality (acid deposition), increases in water temperature, habitat impairment and destruction (canopy loss and debris slides), introductions of non-native species, and natural stochastic events (Flebbe 1994; Petty et al. 2005; Hudy et al. 2008). The global annual air temperature is expected 1

10 to increase 1 C to 3 C in the next 50 to 100 years according to the Intergovernment Panel of Climate Change (IPCC 1996), and water temperature may increase 0.3 C to 1 C for every degree increase in air temperature. Flebbe et al. (2006) stated these increases in stream temperature will likely result in a decrease in the ranges of many salmonids. Extreme conditions such as summertime droughts, when temperatures can rise above the brook trout s thermal maximum, can result in high levels of stress. During these times, salmonids seek thermal refuges in deeper pools or areas with groundwater inputs of cooler water (Meisner 1990; Nielsen et al. 1994). Reduced ph levels resulting from acidification have been linked to increased levels of toxic metals available to juvenile brook trout and may even result in reproductive failure (Baker and Schofield 1982; Jordahl and Benson 1987). Salmonids use stream substrate as egg incubation habitat. Sedimentation can be detrimental to brook trout reproductive success as it may trap or limit sac fry movement and reduce water flow through interstitial spaces in gravel resulting in decreased dissolved oxygen delivery to embryos. Sediment can adversely affect trout in other ways including benthic macroinvertebrate suppression, thereby limiting important food sources or clogging gill filaments resulting in dysfunction, both of which can lead to mortality (Curry and MacNeill 2004). Brook trout habitat loss in the central Appalachian region is often attributed to anthropogenic effects. Human activities such as logging and development have resulted in the removal or degradation of vital brook trout habitat over the past century (Wesner et al. 2011). With the human population steadily on the rise, more land in this region is being developed resulting in the removal of trees which provide important canopy to trout streams. Many streams in the central Appalachian region approach the upper thermal limit of brook trout during 2

11 summer. Canopy removal could allow stream temperatures to exceed this threshold and result in brook trout habitat loss. Often, opportunities for brook trout to move further upstream to avoid summer temperatures may be restricted by low flows; and downstream movement may be limited by elevated water temperatures (Ries and Perry 1995). This study evaluates the re-introductions and introductions of brook trout into four Virginia mountain streams. These introductions were part of the Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture (EBTJV) and required monitoring of fish communities, water quality, and habitat within individual streams to determine success. The EBTJV was formed in 2005 by a variety of public and private entities with the goal of raising public awareness, improving aquatic habitat, stopping the decline of brook trout, and restoring fishable populations in the eastern United States. A five day rainfall event in the Graves Mill area of Madison County, VA in late June 1995 produced as much as 60 cm of rain leading to severe flooding, debris slides (Figure 1), and drastic changes in fish community assemblages and stream habitat of Garth and Kinsey Run (Roghair et al. 2002). Stream electrofishing (EF) surveys conducted prior to the 1995 floods determined brook trout presence in both Garth Run and Kinsey Run. Quantitative and qualitative EF surveys conducted by Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) in 1997 resulted in the collection of no brook trout in Kinsey Run and only 11 brook trout (3 adults and 8 young of year (YOY)) in upper Garth Run (elevation 1,500 ft.). Surveys of both streams in 2000 and 2007 by VDGIF resulted in the collection of no brook trout (VDGIF, unpublished data). Neither stream was documented to have been subject to any stream restoration activities prior to this study. Wildcat Hollow (Thompson Wildlife Management Area (WMA)) in Fauquier County and Sweet Run (Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship (BRCES)) in Loudon County 3

12 had never been documented to have brook trout. Both streams were surveyed by VDGIF prior to stocking and no trout were present (VDGIF, unpublished data). Water quality and habitat monitoring in 2007 resulted in the conclusion that both streams were potentially suitable for brook trout introductions. Based on these observations, two study objectives were identified. The primary objective was to determine brook trout presence or absence in the four study streams two years post introduction and/or re-introduction, while the secondary objective was to determine possible limiting factors if populations appeared absent or reduced. 4

13 Methods This study focused on four streams located just east of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia (Figure 2). The re-introduction streams, Garth Run (reach elevation to 486 m, Figure 3) and Kinsey Run (reach elevation to 440 m, Figure 4), are tributaries to the Rapidan River located in Madison County on the Rapidan WMA. Both streams are in the Rappahannock River drainage and historically had brook trout populations; however, they were extirpated by the 1995 floods (Figure 1). The introduction streams were Wildcat Hollow (reach elevation to 251 m, Figure 5) and Sweet Run (reach elevation to 176 m, Figure 6). Wildcat Hollow, a tributary of Goose Creek, is located on the Thompson WMA in Fauquier County. Sweet Run is a tributary to Piney Run and located on the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship property in Loudon County. Both streams are in the Potomac River drainage, were monitored in 2007 and appeared to have suitable water quality and habitat for brook trout reproduction and survival. A total of 435 brook trout were transplanted across all four study streams in September Total length (TL) in millimeters (mm) and weight (wt) in grams (g) were recorded for all fish prior to release. Brook trout for the re-introduction streams (Garth Run and Kinsey Run) were collected from the neighboring Conway River. Garth Run received 107 trout ranging from mm TL (mean mm, SD = 34), while Kinsey Run received 104 trout ranging from mm TL (mean mm, SD = 38). Brook trout were collected from Jeremy s Run in Shenandoah National Park for transplant into the introduction streams (Wildcat Hollow and Sweet Run). Wildcat Hollow received 118 trout ranging from mm TL (mean mm, SD = 33), and Sweet Run received 106 trout ranging from mm TL (mean mm, SD = 43). 5

14 Three replicate sample reaches of approximately 100 meters were chosen for each stream. Sample reaches were marked with metal tags on trees and GPS coordinates were recorded for each section (Table 1, Figures 3 6). Sites were designated as the A, B, or C reach for each stream; resulting in a total of twelve sample sites. Reaches will hereafter be referred to by abbreviations for stream name (GR, KR, WH, and SR) followed by a hyphen and letter (A, B, or C). For example, the middle sample site of Wildcat Hollow will be recognized as WH - B. Water quality data (temperature, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, and ph) were recorded during each sampling event. HOBO U22 water temperature data loggers were installed in sample reaches to record water temperature readings at a rate of once per hour from late spring (early to mid June) until early fall (late September to early October) to determine maximum and mean summer water temperatures. Habitat was assessed using the Basinwide Visual Estimation Technique (BVET) method for each stream between November 6 and December 5, 2009 (Dolloff et al. 1993). BVET surveys were only conducted within stream sections with public access (VDGIF and BRCES property). The length of stream sampled varied among streams and are as follows in decreasing order: Garth Run 1919 m, Sweet Run 1758 m, Wildcat Hollow 1327 m, and Kinsey Run 282 m. The BVET survey was done with a two person crew; one trained person who estimated the characteristics for each individual habitat unit and one person to record data. Habitat units were identified by habitat type (slow: pool or glide; fast: riffle, run or cascade) and estimates of characteristics (stream width, dominant substrate, average depth, and % fine substrate) from visual observations and actual measurements (unit length, max depth, and large wood counts) were recorded for each habitat unit (Hankin and Reeves 1988). Large wood was separated into 6

15 four classes (Class 1 : < 5 meters in length and cm in diameter, Class 2 : < 5 meters in length and > 55 cm in diameter, Class 3 : > 5 meters in length and cm in diameter, and Class 4 : > 5 meters in length and > 55 cm in diameter). Substrate type and size were observed according to the modified Wentworth classification (Cummins 1961) (Table 7). Percent fines were those < 2 mm and included silt and sand. Habitat lengths were measured using a hip chain and rounded to the nearest whole meter. Depths were determined using a stadia rod and rounded to the nearest 5 cm increment. Actual stream widths were measured by recording three or more widths of the habitat unit. Actual width measurements were conducted every tenth slow and fast habitat unit to be compared with stream width estimates to develop calibration ratios (Dolloff et al. 1993). Additional features such as trail crossings, split channels, and tributary confluences were noted. Multiple-pass removal techniques are generally used to estimate trout abundance. However, due to time constraints, personnel scheduling, and to reduce the chances of sampling mortality, single-pass electrofishing (EF) surveys were chosen as the sampling method for this study. Bateman et al. (2005) determined that single-pass EF captured 74 to 78% of the estimated trout population and was effective in detecting spatial patterns of trout abundance. Kruse et al. (1998) found that single-pass EF samples accurately displayed the abundance of trout in small mountain streams. Samples were conducted using a Smith-Root backpack electrofisher unit five times at each of the twelve sample sites (twice per year for two years and fall of third year). One sample was completed in late June (summer) and the other between mid September and early October (fall) annually. The EF crew was composed of 5 people: three primary netters (including the person with backpack EF unit), one person carrying a bucket with a net and one person carrying the work up gear also with a net. Sechriest (1960) found that conductivity of 7

16 streams increased with increasing alkalinity. Alkalinity data was collected in lieu of conductivity and all streams were found to have moderate to high alkalinity. Streams were narrow (~ 2.5 m average) with good alkalinity and therefore assumed to be effectively sampled with the above crew. A community sample (all fish collected) was conducted during the initial EF survey for each stream in summer Only trout were collected in the fall 2009 and 2010, summer 2010 and 2011 EF surveys. The entire stream length on public land or which access had been granted was sampled in the fall 2010 EF surveys for all streams. Total length and weight were recorded for all trout collected during each sample. All trout 100 mm TL were considered young of year (YOY) and > 100 mm were considered adults (Marschall and Crowder 1996). Selected trout mm and all trout > 100 mm received a Biomark khz passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag (model # TX1400 BE 11.5 mm) to obtain growth and movement data. The subset of trout mm which received PIT tags were marked to gather growth data of young fish, but not enough tags were available to mark every juvenile. A small incision was made ventrally on the body cavity using an Exacto knife, and the tag was then inserted into the body cavity to identify fish individually upon recapture. A retention rate of 80%, along with no effect on survival and growth was assumed for PIT tags based on findings of Meyer et al. (2011) and Acolas et al. (2007) studies. Tags were scanned and tag numbers recorded using a Biomark Pocket Reader. All trout collected received an adipose fin clip for the purpose of identifying previously captured fish. All non-game and other game species collected during community samples in summer 2009 were identified, counted, measured (minimum and maximum TL) and bulk weighed. The only mortality observed during the study was that of four adult trout as a result of error during tagging. All other fish were handled very carefully for a minimal time, placed into a recovery bucket and ensured to be in 8

17 good condition prior to release during all phases of the study (stocking, tagging and processing after collection). Statistical analysis was conducted using SYSTAT 10.2 and Microsoft Excel 2007 software. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were performed to determine if there were any significant differences between trout catch rates and mean length of brook trout stocked across all streams. Trout relative abundance (catch per unit effort CPUE) was calculated per 100 m of each stream by survey. Catches by size class (Adult, YOY) and total were analyzed across all streams using CPUE data. ANOVA tests were also used to determine if there were significant differences in mean growth rates, adult CPUE, and total CPUE across streams and surveys. Chi-square tests were performed to determine associations between catches of trout by stream, survey, and size class. Linear regression models were used to determine if there were any significant trends of catch rates over time for each stream. The total, adult, and young of year catches of brook trout across each survey were analyzed (Figures 10 21). Significance level for all tests was set at α =

18 Results June 2009 The summer 2009 EF community survey yielded 140 brook trout (63 Adults, 77 YOY) from all 12 reaches (Table 6). Trout ranged in size from mm TL, and 84 received PIT tags. Trout were present in all four streams and 11 of 12 reaches with GR - B being the only site without trout. The following are the total catches of brook trout by stream (Adult, YOY) for the June 2009 survey: Garth Run 5 (0, 5), Kinsey Run 37 (5, 32), Wildcat Hollow 76 (49, 27), and Sweet Run 22 (9, 13) (Tables 3-5). Other species found in the community sample included: blacknose dace (Rhinichthys atratulus), longnose dace (Rhinichthys cataractae), rosyside dace (Clinostomous funduloides), mountain redbelly dace (Phoxinus oreas), fantail darter (Etheostoma flabellare), mottled sculpin (Cottus bairdi), torrent sucker (Thoburnia rhothoeca), creek chub (Semotilus atromaculatus), bluehead chub (Nocomis leptocephalus), white sucker (Catostomus commersonii), largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) and green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) (Table 8). Water temperatures ranged from 13.8 C (KR - C) 18.4 C (SR - C) across all reaches during the survey period. Sept 2009 Fall sampling yielded 81 brook trout (23 Adults, 58 YOY) from all 12 reaches (Table 6). Trout ranged in size from mm TL, and 54 received PIT tags. Trout were found in all four streams and 11 of 12 reaches with GR - B again being the only site without trout. Catches of brook trout by stream were as follows (Adult, YOY): Garth Run 17 (5, 12), Kinsey Run 30 (10, 20), Wildcat Hollow 18 (3, 15) and Sweet Run 16 (5, 11) (Tables 3-5). A total of 12 tagged trout were recaptured, and growth ranged from 0 6 mm/month (mean of 3 ± 2 10

19 mm/month) for the three month period of June - September Water temperatures ranged from 13.0 C (SR - C) 19.0 C (KR - B) across all reaches during the survey period. June 2010 Summer sampling produced 60 brook trout (53 Adults, 7 YOY) from all 12 reaches (Table 6). Trout ranged in size from mm TL, and 45 received PIT tags. Trout were found in all four streams but in only 8 of 12 reaches. Brook trout were not present in SR - A, WH - A and WH - C for this sample and were also not found in GR - B for the third consecutive sample. Catches of brook trout by stream were as follows (Adult, YOY): Garth Run 13 (13, 0), Kinsey Run 23 (17, 6), Wildcat Hollow 8 (8, 0), and Sweet Run 16 (15, 1) (Tables 3-5). A total of 8 trout were recaptured with PIT tags, and growth ranged from 6 11 mm/month (mean of 8 ± 2 mm/month) for the nine month period of September 2009 to June Water temperatures ranged from 16.0 C (KR - C) 21.5 C (SR - C) across all reaches during the survey period. Sept 2010 The entire length of each stream on public property (or on private property where access was granted) was sampled with a single pass EF survey in September and October This was done in order to observe overall trout distributions and numbers throughout each stream, and to obtain additional growth data from recaptured fish. This sampling resulted in the collection of 101 brook trout (89 Adults, 12 YOY). Trout were found in all four streams and fish ranged from mm TL. However, catches were substantially different in Wildcat Hollow than those of the other streams and are as follows (Adult, YOY): Garth Run 29 (29, 0), Kinsey Run 38 (27, 11), Wildcat Hollow 2 (2, 0) and Sweet Run 32 (31, 1). 11

20 A subset of these collections included catches from all twelve study reaches which totaled 30 brook trout (22 Adults, 8 YOY) (Table 6). Catches by stream were as follows (Adult, YOY): Garth Run 8 (8, 0), Kinsey Run 14 (6, 8), Wildcat Hollow 0 (0, 0) and Sweet Run 8 (8, 0) (Tables 3-5). Eighteen PIT tagged fish were recaptured and growth rates ranged 0 6 mm/month (mean of 2 ± 2 mm/month). Stream flows were much lower than historical median flows across all streams (Figures 7-9) during the fall 2010 survey period due to severe drought. Water temperatures ranged from 13.5 C (KR) 17.0 C (SR). June 2011 The final survey resulted in the collection of 61 brook trout (21 Adults, 40 YOY) across all study reaches (Table 6). Trout were found in all four streams and 8 of 12 reaches and ranged in size from mm TL. For the first time during the study, two trout were found in GR - B. This was shortly after habitat restoration work was completed in May 2011 resulting in the placement of multiple drop log structures throughout the reach. The reaches in which no trout were found were GR - A, GR - C, KR - A and SR - C. Catches of brook trout by stream were as follows (Adult, YOY): Garth Run 2 (2, 0), Kinsey Run 43 (11, 32), Wildcat Hollow 12 (4, 8) and Sweet Run 4 (4, 0) (Tables 3-5). A total of seven trout were recaptured with PIT tags. Growth rates of the recaptured trout ranged from 3 7 mm/month (mean of 5 ± 1 mm/month). Water temperatures ranged from 15.0 C 17.0 C across all reaches during the survey period. Statistical Analysis An ANOVA determined there was no significant difference in mean length of trout introduced across all four streams (F 3,431 = 0.40, P = 0.75). Using a Chi-square test, observed total catches of adult trout and YOY trout for each survey were compared to the expected total 12

21 catches of adult trout and YOY trout for each survey. It was found that adult and YOY catches were near those expected in June 2009; adult catches were lower and YOY catches higher than expected in September 2009; adult catches were higher and YOY catches lower than the expected in both June and September 2010; and adult catches were lower and YOY catches higher than those expected in June 2011 (Pearson X 2 = 64.10, df = 4, P = < ). Regression analysis determined there was a significant negative relationship in total catches (r 2 = 0.87, P = 0.02, Figure 10) and YOY catches (r 2 = 0.82, P = 0.03, Figure 18) over time at Sweet Run. Non-significant negative relationships were also found for Garth Run YOY catches (r 2 = 0.53, P = 0.16, Figure 20) and Wildcat Hollow total (r 2 = 0.46, P = 0.21, Figure 11) and YOY catches (r 2 = 0.48, P = 0.20, Figure 19). ANOVA analysis also indicated that there were no significant differences in adult (F 3,16 = 0.37, P = 0.77), YOY (F 3,16 = 2.99, P = 0.06) and total (F 3,16 = 1.49, P = 0.26) catch of trout by stream. There also were no significant differences found for adult (F 4,15 = 0.89, P = 0.49), YOY (F 4,15 = 2.78, P = 0.07) and total (F 4,15 = 1.50, P = 0.25) catch of trout by survey. The following are total distances of all three sample reaches for each stream surveyed: Sweet Run 351 m, Wildcat Hollow 310 m, Garth Run 301 m, and Kinsey Run 282 m. CPUE in Sweet Run ranged from for adults, for YOY, and for total catch (Table 9). Wildcat Hollow CPUE for adults ranged from , for YOY, and for total catch (Table 10). CPUE in Garth Run ranged from for adults, for YOY, and for total catch (Table 11). Kinsey Run catch rates for adults ranged from , for YOY, and for total catch (Table 12). An ANOVA test determined there was no significant difference for adult (F 3,16 = 0.50, P = 0.69) and total CPUE by stream (F 3,16 = 2.06, P = 0.15), however there was a significant difference in 13

22 YOY (F 3,16 = 3.62, P = 0.04) CPUE by stream. Mean catch rates ranged from 6.9 YOY trout per 100 m of Kinsey Run to 1.1 YOY trout per 100 m of Garth Run. No significant difference was found for adult (F 4,15 = 0.81, P = 0.54), YOY (F 4,15 = 2.37, P = 0.10) or total (F 4,15 = 1.33, P = 0.30) CPUE by survey. PIT tag and Growth Data Throughout the study, a total of 226 brook trout received PIT tags (GR 58, KR 59, SR 28, WH 71), and of those 36 were caught again for an overall recapture rate of 16 %. Recapture rates of tagged fish by stream were as follows: Garth Run 6 of 58 (10 %), Kinsey Run 15 of 59 (25 %), Sweet Run 12 of 28 (43 %) and Wildcat Hollow 3 of 71 (4 %). Growth during summer averaged 2 mm/month (0 6 mm/mo range), while fall/winter growth averaged 8 mm/month (6 11 mm/mo range). Average monthly growth rates varied among streams and were as follows: Garth Run 2 mm (n = 6), Sweet Run 3 mm (n = 12), Kinsey Run 4 mm (n = 15) and Wildcat Hollow 7 mm (n = 3). ANOVA analysis determined there was no significant difference in growth rates across streams (F 3,32 = 2.50, P = 0.08). BVET and Water Quality Data A total of 108 habitat units were sampled in Garth Run, of which 56 were slow and 52 were fast water, making a 1.08 to 1 ratio of slow to fast water unit types. Total area of slow water units was m 2 and m 2 for fast water units, resulting in a 0.39 to 1 ratio of slow to fast water total area throughout the surveyed length. Average pool depth was found to be 25.1 cm, and average maximum depth was 53.6 cm. Approximately two-thirds (64 %) of pools had 50 cm maximum depth with large gravel as the dominant substrate throughout the stream. Fine sediment averaged 8 % for the 52 fast water habitat units surveyed. Garth Run had 56 pieces of large wood per kilometer of stream with a gradient of 4.4% (Table 14). 14

23 Within the 1758 m of Sweet Run which was surveyed, there were 69 slow and 56 fast water units, resulting in a 1.23 to 1 ratio. Total area of slow water units was m 2 and m 2 for fast water units, resulting in a 1.33 to 1 ratio of slow to fast water total area. There was an average pool depth of 20.4 cm and an average maximum pool depth of 43.7 cm within the surveyed area. The dominant substrate within the stream was large gravel with 39 % of pools having 50 cm maximum depth. The 56 fast water habitat units with Sweet Run averaged 15 % fine sediment. Large wood averaged 68 pieces per kilometer of Sweet Run with a stream gradient of only 1.0% (Table 14). A total of 93 habitat units were sampled in Wildcat Hollow, of which 48 were slow and 45 were fast water, resulting in a 1.07 to 1 ratio of slow to fast water unit types. Total area of slow water units was m 2 and m 2 for fast water units, resulting in a 0.45 to 1 ratio of slow to fast water total area throughout the surveyed length. Average pool depth was found to be 14.8 cm with an average maximum depth of 28.4 cm. Large gravel was found to be the dominant substrate and only 1 of 41 (2 %) pools within Wildcat Hollow had 50 cm maximum depth. Fine sediment was found to be 7 % within the 45 fast water units. Wildcat Hollow had 43 pieces of large wood per kilometer of stream with a gradient of 3.8% (Table 14). Within the 282 m of Kinsey Run surveyed, there were 11 slow and 14 fast water units, resulting in a 0.79 to 1 ratio. Total area of slow water units was m 2 and m 2 for fast water units, resulting in a 0.34 to 1 ratio of slow to fast water total area. There was an average pool depth of 21.8 cm and an average maximum pool depth of 48.2 cm within the surveyed area. More than one-half (55 %) of pools had 50 cm maximum depth, and large gravel was the dominant substrate within the stream. Fine sediment averaged 10 % for the 14 fast water habitat 15

24 units surveyed. Large wood averaged 39 pieces per kilometer of Kinsey Run with a stream gradient of 7.6% (Table 14). Data obtained from the HOBO U22 water temperature data loggers showed an increase in both average and maximum water temperatures from 2009 to 2010 for Sweet Run (introduction) and Garth Run (re-introduction). Data were analyzed for both years during the three month period of June 24 to September 23. Average temperature increased from 18.8 C (2009) to 20.1 C (2010) for Sweet Run and from 18.0 C (2009) to 19.6 C (2010) for Garth Run, respectively. Increases in maximum temperature from 2009 to 2010 were also seen for both streams. Sweet Run maximums went from 22.9 C to 23.5 C while Garth Run increased from 23.3 C to 24.8 C. Monitoring of water quality parameters at the middle site during each electrofishing survey resulted in the following ranges across all samples and streams: water temperature 13.5 C C, ph , alkalinity mg/l and dissolved oxygen mg/l (Table 2). 16

25 Discussion Results from electrofishing surveys displayed a decrease in trout total catch across all streams for the first four surveys. However, an increase in trout total catch for all reaches was observed from the September 2010 survey to the June 2011 survey (Table 6). Catches of YOY brook trout varied greatly among the three samples conducted in June Total YOY catches from the 12 reaches were 77 in 2009 (6.4/reach), to a low of 7 in 2010 (0.6/reach) and increased to 40 in 2011 (3.3/reach). Petty et al. (2005) noted that high immigration rates of juvenile brook trout combined with low overall survival led to high turnover rates in any given stream reach. This could partly explain the large decrease in juvenile catch rates from 2009 to However, environmental factors such as spring floods due to snowmelt and heavy rains likely resulted in poor recruitment across Virginia in 2010 by flushing out redds and any fry that had emerged (VDGIF, unpublished data). Kinsey Run had the best catch rates of YOY trout across all surveys, adult trout in 3 of 5 surveys and total trout in 4 of 5 surveys. Average CPUE was also calculated for each stream across all five surveys by class (adult, YOY and total), and Kinsey Run had the best average CPUE for all classes (Table 13). The 36 recaptured PIT tagged fish provided valuable data on seasonal growth rates and growth between streams. Eight of the 36 were recaptured multiple times allowing for growth rates to be monitored over a longer period of time (12 24 months). Growth rates were slower through summer months (June September) than during fall/winter (September June) likely as a result of elevated stream temperatures leading to increased stress and decreased feeding. Growth rates also varied among size classes. Smaller fish were observed to have faster growth. Hakala and Hartman (2004) and Ensign et al. (1990) found that drops in feeding occurred during 17

26 stressful times (such as summer), especially when macroinvertebrate availability decreased and sometimes resulted in prolonged periods of feeding at or below maintenance ration. Ries and Perry (1995) observed that Appalachian brook trout populations could benefit from increased growth rates in spring and fall or suffer from decreased growth during summer with reduced habitat. Four (11 %) of the recaptured PIT tagged trout were caught outside of the reach in which they were initially tagged when the longer survey was conducted in September 2010, confirming that brook trout did move throughout streams. One trout that was tagged in June 2010 in GR - A was recaptured in June 2011 in GR - B which include passing over a large cascade. Movement of these four trout ranged from less than 100 m to over 1300 m. Although HOBO U22 water temperature data loggers were deployed in each stream in 2009 and 2010, complete data from both years were only obtained from Sweet Run and Garth Run. Multiple data loggers were not retrieved as a result of high flows due to error during placement and securing of the loggers. Analysis of retrieved data indicated stream temperatures approached the C range in the summer of 2010, which is thought to be near the thermal maximum (MacCrimmon and Campbell 1969; Matthews and Berg 1997). Elevated stream temperatures along with significant drought conditions likely resulted in increased mortality of brook trout in study streams. Habitat assessments were conducted for each stream in late fall 2009 while all streams were at or near historical median flows. Surveyed lengths varied among streams due to differences in stream lengths and accessibility. Only the 3 sample reaches were surveyed on Kinsey Run due to access difficulties. All streams were found to have close to the preferred 1:1 ratio of slow to fast water or pool to riffle as stated in Raleigh (1982). Average percent fine sediment in riffles ranged from 7 % (WH) to 15 % (SR), which is below the mark of 20 % in 18

27 which Hausle and Coble (1976) found that the emergence of brook trout declined and therefore not considered to be a limiting factor of success. Large gravel (16 64 mm) was the dominant substrate in all streams. Hakala (2000) considered suitable spawning substrate size for brook trout to be 4 30 mm, which partially includes the dominant large gravel size range found in all four streams. As a result of the BVET habitat assessment, it was determined that GR - B needed pool habitat within the reach (continuous riffle), and Wildcat Hollow required additional deeper pool habitat to provide refuge for trout during summertime low flow conditions. This coincided with findings of Hunt (1976) and Meehan (1991), which listed average pool depth, pool densities, and amount of pool area as some of the most important habitat parameters for brook trout, especially under low flow periods. Flebbe and Dolloff (1995) found that pools were the most widely used type of primary habitat for brook trout. If there is no suitable habitat to provide refuge under low flows and fish do not migrate to an area with suitable habitat, mortality levels would likely increase and result in declining numbers of trout. Petty et al. (2005) observed that low immigration rates of brook trout in summer-fall led to declining populations throughout a watershed. Thus, funding was acquired through EBTJV, work was contracted and habitat improvements were completed in May 2011 for GR - B. The June 2011 electrofishing survey resulted in the catch of two adult brook trout within the GR - B reach. This was the first time that trout were observed in the reach during the study. Wildcat Hollow habitat improvement work began in July 2011 with the installation of ten drop log structures. An additional eight structures are expected to be installed in

28 With respect to the primary study objective, brook trout were found to be present in all streams almost three years post introductions and re-introductions. However, populations appeared to be reduced or declining from initial stocking numbers in all study streams. Water quality data were found to be within acceptable ranges for brook trout survival and reproduction across all monitored parameters and therefore not believed to be a limiting factor of their success (Raleigh 1982; Petty et al. 2005). However, the lack of deeper pools available to provide refuge under low flow conditions was believed to be a limiting factor in Wildcat Hollow. High flows in spring of 2010 resulted in poor recruitment across all streams and these declines were observed for other trout streams statewide (VDGIF unpublished data 2010). Lamothe (2002) found that snowmelt and spring rains could overwhelm stream buffering capacity and result in partial or complete reproductive failure. Stream flow data obtained from USGS confirmed that flows were approximately ten times those of the median daily statistic multiple times during spring 2010 (Figure 7 9). Poor recruitment coupled with extremely low flows as a result of drought conditions and warmer than usual summertime water temperatures, were determined to be potential limiting factors of brook trout survival and success for all streams in Based on the results of this study, both introductions and re-introductions of brook trout were considered successes due to brook trout survival, reproduction, and presence almost three years post stocking. Kinsey Run appeared to have the best chance of maintaining a brook trout population as a result of having the most consistent and best catch rates, fewest competitors, and steepest gradient of all streams. However, the extent of future success for all streams may be limited by some or all of the above mentioned factors. Continued monitoring of brook trout 20

29 populations in all four streams is recommended, and supplemental stockings may be necessary if future monitoring results in reduced catches of adults and young of year. 21

30 Literature Cited Acolas, M. L., J. M. Roussel, J. M. Lebel, and J. L. Bagliniere Laboratory experiment on survival, growth and tag retention following PIT injection into the body cavity of juvenile brown trout (Salmo trutta). Fisheries Research, 86 (2-3), pp Baker, J. P., and C. L. Schofield Aluminum toxicity to fish in acidic waters. Water, Air, and Soil Pollution 18: Bateman D. S., Gresswell R. E., and Torgersen C. E Evaluating single-pass catch as a tool for identifying spatial pattern in fish distribution. Journal of Freshwater Ecology 20: Bertrand K. N., Gido K. B. & Guy C. S. (2006) An evaluation of single-pass versus multiplepass backpack electrofishing to estimate trends in species abundance and richness in prairie streams. Transactions of the Kansas Academy of Science, 109, Cummins, K. W The micro-distribution of the caddisfly larvae Pycnopsyche lepida (Hagen) and Pycnopsyche guttifer (Walker) in a restricted portion of a small Michigan stream. Unpublished Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Michigan, 158 pp. Curry, R. A., and W. S. MacNeill Population level responses to sediment during early life in brook trout. Journal of the North American Benthological Society 23: Dolloff, C. A., D. G. Hankin, and G. H. Reeves Basinwide estimation of habitat and fish populations in streams. U. S. Forest Service General Technical Report SE 83. Ensign, W. E., R. J. Strange & S. E. Moore, Summer food limitation reduces brook and rainbow trout biomass in a southern Appalachian stream. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 119: Excel (Part of Microsoft Office Professional Edition) [computer program]. Microsoft; Flebbe, P. A A regional view of the margin: salmonid abundance and distribution in the southern Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina and Virginia. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 123: Flebbe, P. A., and C. A. Dolloff Trout use of woody debris and habitat in Appalachian wilderness streams of North Carolina. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 15: Flebbe, P. A., L. D. Roghair, and J. L. Bruggink Spatial Modeling to Project Southern Appalachian Trout Distribution in a Warmer Climate Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 135: Hakala, J. P., Factors influencing brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) abundance in forested headwater streams with emphasis on fine sediment. West Virginia University, M.S. Thesis. 22

31 Hakala, J. P. & K. J. Hartman, Drought effect on stream morphology and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) populations in forested headwater streams. Hydrobiologia 515: Hankin, D. G., and Reeves, G. H Estimating total fish abundance and total habitat area in small streams based on visual estimation methods. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. 45: Hausle, D. A., and D. W. Coble Influences of sand in redds on survival and emergence of brook trout. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society. 105: Hudy, M., T. M. Thieling, N. Gillespie and E. P. Smith Distribution, status, and land use characteristics of subwatersheds within the native range of brook trout in the eastern United States. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 28: American Fisheries Society. Hunt, R. L A long-term evaluation of trout habitat development and its relation to improving management-related research. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society. 105(3): IPCC (Intergovernment Panel of Climate Change) Climate Change In Houghton, J.T., Meria Filho, L.G., Challander, B.A., Harris, N., Kattenberg, A., and Maskell, K. (eds.), The science of Climate Change, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Jenkins, R. E. and N. M. Burkhead Freshwater fishes of Virginia. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland. Jordahl, D. M., and A. Benson Effect of low ph on survival of brook trout embryos and yolk-sac larvae in West Virginia streams. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 116: Kruse, C. G., W. A. Hubert, and F. J. Rahel Single-pass electrofishing predicts trout abundance in mountain streams with sparse habitat. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 18: Lamothe, P. J Spatial population dynamics of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) in a central Appalachian watershed. Master s thesis. West Virginia University, Morgantown. MacCrimmon, H. R., and J. S. Campbell World distribution of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). Journal of Fisheries Research Board of Canada 26: Marschall, E. A., and L. B. Crowder Assessing population responses to multiple anthropogenic effects: a case study with brook trout. Ecological Applications 6:

32 Matthews, K. R., and N. H. Berg Rainbow trout responses to water temperature and dissolved oxygen stress in two southern California stream pools. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 50: Meehan, W. R Influences of Forest and Rangeland Management on salmonid fishes and their habitats. American Fisheries Society Special Publication 19. Meisner, J. D Effect of climate warming on the southern margins of the native range of brook trout, Salvelinus fontinalis. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. 47: 1065-l070. Meyer, K. A., B. High, N. Gastelecutto, E. R. J. Mamer, and F. S. Elle Retention of Passive Integrated Transponder Tags in Stream-Dwelling Rainbow Trout. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 31: Nielsen, J. L., T. E. Lisle, and V. Ozaki Thermally stratified pools and their use by steelhead in northern California streams. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 123(4): Petty, J. T., P. J. Lamothe, and P. M. Mazik Spatial and seasonal dynamics of brook trout populations in a central Appalachian watershed. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 134: Raleigh, R. F Habitat suitability index models: Brook trout. U.S. Dept. Int., Fish Wildl. Serv. FWS/OBS-82/ pp. Ries, R. D., and S. A. Perry Potential effects of global climate warming on brook trout growth and prey consumption in central Appalachian streams, USA. Climate Research 5: Roghair, C. N., C. A. Dolloff, and M. K. Underwood Response of a Brook Trout Population and Instream Habitat to a Catastrophic Flood and Debris Flow. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 131: Sechriest, R. E Relationship Between Total Alkalinity, Conductivity, Original ph, and Buffer Action of Natural Water. The Ohio Journal of Science. v60 n5 (September, 1960), SYSTAT SYSTAT for Windows, Version SYSTAT Software Inc., Richmond, California. Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy Division of Geology and Mineral Resources. Retrieved Sept. 2, 2011 from 24

33 Wesner, J. S., J. W. Cornelison, C. D. Dankmeyer, P. F. Galbreath, and T. H. Martin Growth, ph Tolerance, Survival, and Diet of Introduced Northern-Strain and Native Southern-Strain Appalachian Brook Trout. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 140:

34 Appendix A Table 1. GPS coordinates for lower end of each study site, recorded in May Sweet Run Wildcat Hollow Garth Run Kinsey Run A N N N N W W W W B N N N N W W W W C N N N N W W W W

35 Table 2. Water quality data taken during each sample from B site of each stream. June 09 Sept 09 June 10 Sept 10 June 11 H 2 O Temp 17.9 C 13.5 C 21.0 C 17.0 C 16.5 C Sweet Run ph Alkalinity 32 mg/l 40 mg/l 48 mg/l 55 mg/l 55 mg/l D.O mg/l 10.0 mg/l 9.0 mg/l 9.0 mg/l 10.0 mg/l H 2 O Temp 15.4 C 18.0 C 18.0 C 15.0 C 17.0 C Wildcat Hollow ph Alkalinity 44 mg/l 55 mg/l 58 mg/l 65 mg/l 67 mg/l D.O. 9.5 mg/l 9.5 mg/l 9.0 mg/l 9.5 mg/l 9.0 mg/l H 2 O Temp 15.8 C 18.5 C 18.5 C 14.0 C 15.0 C Garth Run ph Alkalinity 25 mg/l 30 mg/l 40 mg/l 42 mg/l 40 mg/l D.O. 9.0 mg/l 8.5 mg/l 9.4 mg/l 10.0 mg/l 8.8 mg/l H 2 O Temp 14.8 C 19.0 C 17.5 C 13.5 C 15.0 C Kinsey Run ph Alkalinity 30 mg/l 20 mg/l 44 mg/l 42 mg/l 50 mg/l D.O. 9.0 mg/l 9.0 mg/l 9.2 mg/l 9.5 mg/l 9.2 mg/l 27

36 Table 3. Total catches of brook trout for all three reaches of each stream across each survey from June 2009 through June June '09 Sept '09 June '10 Sept '10 June '11 Sweet Run Wildcat Hollow Garth Run Kinsey Run

37 Table 4. Catches of adult brook (> 100 mm) trout for all three reaches of each stream across each survey from June 2009 through June June '09 Sept '09 June '10 Sept '10 June '11 Sweet Run Wildcat Hollow Garth Run Kinsey Run

38 Table 5. Catches of young of year brook trout (< 100 mm) for all three reaches of each stream across each survey from June 2009 through June June '09 Sept '09 June '10 Sept '10 June '11 Sweet Run Wildcat Hollow Garth Run Kinsey Run

39 Table 6. Catches of adult, young of year and total brook trout for all streams across all surveys. June '09 Sept '09 June '10 Sept '10 June '11 Adult YOY Total

40 Table 7. Modified classification (Cummins 1961) for stream substrate used during BVET habitat assessment. Pebble class was called Large Gravel (LG) and Gravel class was called Small Gravel (SG). Class Name Particle size range in mm Boulder > 256 Cobble Pebble (LG) Gravel (SG) 2-16 Sand Silt Clay <

41 Table 8. Species in addition to Brook trout found with community sample in June 2009 by stream. GR = Garth Run, KR = Kinsey Run, WH = Wildcat Hollow, SR = Sweet Run Species Streams Present GR KR WH SR Blacknose dace (Rhinichthys atratulus) X X X X Longnose dace (Rhinichthys cataractae) X Rosyside dace (Clinostomous funduloides) X X Mountain redbelly dace (Phoxinus oreas) X Fantail darter (Etheostoma flabellare) X X Mottled sculpin (Cottus bairdi) X X X Torrent sucker (Thoburnia rhothoeca) X X Creek chub (Semotilus atromaculatus) X Bluehead chub (Nocomis leptocephalus) X X X White sucker (Catostomus commersonii) X Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) X Bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) X Green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) X X 33

42 Table 9. Catch rates of trout per 100 meters of stream surveyed at Sweet Run (351 m). June '09 Sept '09 June '10 Sept '10 June '11 Adult YOY Total

43 Table 10. Catch rates of trout per 100 meters of stream surveyed at Wildcat Hollow (310 m). June '09 Sept '09 June '10 Sept '10 June '11 Adult YOY Total

44 Table 11. Catch rates of trout per 100 meters of stream surveyed at Garth Run (301 m). June '09 Sept '09 June '10 Sept '10 June '11 Adult YOY Total

45 Table 12. Catch rates of trout per 100 meters of stream surveyed at Kinsey Run (282 m). June '09 Sept '09 June '10 Sept '10 June '11 Adult YOY Total

46 Table 13. Streams with best CPUE (per 100 m) for each size class across all surveys and overall average. WH = Wildcat Hollow, GR = Garth Run and KR = Kinsey Run June '09 Sept '09 June '10 Sept '10 June '11 Total Adult WH (15.81) KR (3.53) KR (6.01) GR (2.66) KR (3.89) KR (3.46) YOY KR (11.31) KR (7.07) KR (2.12) KR (2.83) KR (11.31) KR (6.93) Total WH (24.52) KR (10.60) KR (8.13) KR (4.95) KR (15.20) KR (10.39) 38

47 Table 14. Results of BVET habitat survey conducted for each stream between November 6 th and December 5 th Meters Surveyed Slow : Fast Unit Ratio Average % Fines (fast) Average Pool Depth (cm) Percent Pools 50 cm Pieces of LW per km Dominant Substrate Sweet Run : LG Wildcat Hollow : LG Garth Run : LG Kinsey Run : LG 39

48 Figure 1. Aerial view of debris flow chutes and flood deposits from the June 27, 1995 flood at Kinsey Run, near Graves Mill in Madison County, Virginia. Photo from The debris flows of Madison County, Virginia: 34th Annual Virginia Geological Field Conference Guidebook. 40

49 Figure 2. Locations of study streams within Virginia, note the proximity of Garth Run and Kinsey Run to each other. 41

50 Figure 3. Study reach locations (shaded in red) for Garth Run, Madison County, Virginia. 42

51 Figure 4. Study reach locations (shaded in red) for Kinsey Run, Madison County, Virginia. 43

52 Figure 5. Study reach locations (shaded in red) for Wildcat Hollow, Fauquier County, Virginia. 44

53 Figure 6. Study reach locations (shaded in red) for Sweet Run, Loudon County, Virginia. 45

54 Figure 7. Flow data used for Garth Run and Kinsey Run (June 2009 Sept 2010), note high spring flows and low summer flows. 46

55 Figure 8. Flow data used for Wildcat Hollow (June 2009 Sept 2010), note high spring flows and low summer flows. 47

56 Figure 9. Flow data used for Sweet Run (June 2009 Sept 2010), note high spring flows and low summer flows. 48

57 Figure 10. Regression for total catch of brook trout for each survey across all three study reaches at Sweet Run (P = 0.02). 49

58 Figure 11. Regression for total catch of brook trout for each survey across all three study reaches at Wildcat Hollow (P = 0.21). 50

59 Figure 12. Regression for total catch of brook trout for each survey across all three study reaches at Garth Run (P = 0.42). 51

60 Figure 13. Regression for total catch of brook trout for each survey across all three study reaches at Kinsey Run (P = 0.94). 52

61 Figure 14. Regression for adult catch of brook trout for each survey across all three study reaches at Sweet Run (P = 0.76). 53

62 Figure 15. Regression for adult catch of brook trout for each survey across all three study reaches at Wildcat Hollow (P = 0.26). 54

63 Figure 16. Regression for adult catch of brook trout for each survey across all three study reaches at Garth Run (P = 0.77). 55

64 Figure 17. Regression for adult catch of brook trout for each survey across all three study reaches at Kinsey Run (P = 0.60). 56

65 Figure 18. Regression for young of year catch of brook trout for each survey across all three study reaches at Sweet Run (P = 0.03). 57

66 Figure 19. Regression for young of year catch of brook trout for each survey across all three study reaches at Wildcat Hollow (P = 0.20). 58